Jordan Tansey looking to make the most of another chance at Super League level

Jordan Tansey is looking to make the most of a third chance at Super League with the Castleford Tigers.

By James Pearson

Last Updated: 06/02/13 9:27am

As a teenager with the Leeds Rhinos, Tansey had the world at his feet. He was playing alongside world-class players and scored tries for fun.

His moment in the limelight came in 2007 in Leeds' Millennium Magic weekend clash against the Bradford Bulls. Leeds were awarded a late penalty and Kevin Sinfield had the chance to salvage a last-gasp draw in Cardiff.

The improbable happened and Sinfield's kick struck the upright. Thankfully for the Rhinos a fresh-faced Tansey chased down the ball as though his life depended on it and he won the game with a try under the posts.

A dream move to the NRL followed with Tansey signing a two-year contract with the Sydney Roosters, however, with youth came uncertainty and he only spent 12 months down under.

Looking back Tansey thoroughly enjoyed his time in New South Wales and if he had the opportunity to do it all again then there would have been a different outcome.

No place like home

"It was really good. I was there (in Sydney) a year. I had a two-year contract, but I ended up coming home early," he told Sky Sports.

"I missed home a bit. I was only 21 or 22 at the time. I was a bit homesick on my own. I wish I'd have stayed now. I learned a lot. It was a good 12 months."

When asked about the differences between Super League and the NRL, he replied: "It's different. It's a lot faster.

Tansey played for the likes of Hull FC and the now defunct Crusaders upon returning to England, instead of re-joining Leeds following his proposed two-year stint with the Roosters.

However, temptation and ill-discipline got the better of the Leeds-born man and he was ultimately dropped by both clubs culminating in a move to lower-league York City Knights in order to get things back on track.

Reality check

Going part-time was a real eye-opener for Tansey and, if anything, the move helped him appreciate what was important in the game and life, aspects that will benefit him for the remainder of his career.

"When you back down a division, training twice a week it's not where you want to be really, you'd rather be around the lads though the day training full-time," he continued.

"I was bored. There wasn't much to do when you're used to training though the day. I'm just glad to be back in full-time.

"I hadn't played Super League for over a year. I've definitely got to have a big season here (at Castleford).